Before heading to India, I struggled to find clear, reliable numbers on daily travel costs—so I’m sharing my full expense breakdown to help you plan with confidence.
I spent 28 days exploring India with a planned budget of $2,250 and ended up spending just $1,452, including accommodation, food, transportation, activities, visa, and insurance. Daily basics came to around $12–13/day, proving that India rewards simple, flexible travel.
From $3 guesthouses in Jaisalmer to $2 thali meals and $5 bus rides across Rajasthan, I never felt deprived—and I experienced everything from desert forts to spiritual riverside towns.
This post includes:
- Top travel tips for saving money without missing out
- My full planned vs. actual budget
- A city-by-city itinerary across Delhi, Rajasthan, Agra, and Rishikesh
🧾 Planned Breakdown of Costs:
| Category | Planned Budget (per day) | # Days (Total) | Planned Budget |
| Accommodation | $15.00 | 30 | $450.00 |
| Food | $15.00 | 30 | $450.00 |
| Transportation | $15.00 | 30 | $450.00 |
| Activities | $15.00 | 30 | $450.00 |
| Visa | $100 | – | $200.00 |
| Travel Insurance | $350.00 | – | $350.00 |
| Total | $2,250.00 |
💸 Actual Spending (28 Days in India)
Total Spent: $1,452 USD
| Category | Daily Avg | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $6 | 28 | $179 |
| Food | $13 | 28 | $373 |
| Transportation | $7 | 28 | $186 |
| Activities | $10 | 28 | $266 |
| Visa | — | — | $98 |
| Travel Insurance | — | — | $350 |
| Total | — | — | $1,452 |
Note: Travel insurance for me ($350) included an additional 45 day, as my trip continued after India. It would be cheaper for a shorter trip. I used Faye Travel Insurance.
I didn’t splurge on luxury, but I never felt like I was missing out either. It’s amazing how immersive a trip can be when you travel light and keep things simple.
The Trip Itinerary – Delhi, Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal, and a 6-day chill-out in Rishikesh
| Location | Dates | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Delhi (arrival) | March 18 – March 23 | 5 days |
| 🏰 Jodhpur | March 24 – March 26 | 3 days |
| 🏜️ Jaisalmer | March 27 – March 30 | 3 days |
| 🐪 Bikaner | March 31 | 1 day |
| 🌸 Pushkar | April 1 – April 2 | 2 days |
| 🕌 Jaipur | April 3 – April 6 | 3 days |
| 🏛️ Agra | April 7 – April 8 | 2 days |
| 🌄 Rishikesh | April 9 – April 15 | 6 days |
| ✈️ Flight to Kathmandu | April 16 | — |
💡 My Top Tips for Traveling India on a Budget
If you’re looking to do a budget-friendly trip, these tips helped me save money without sacrificing experience:
1. Book trains early—and use the 12go.asia Website
Trains are the best way to cover long distances affordably, but popular routes fill up fast. As I was travelling a bit quickly I booked most of my travel by bus using 12go.asia. Bus trips ranged from $5 to $20. Trains are much cheaper, $3 to $10 for the same routes, but must be booked 2-5 days in advance. The Indian website for booking trains is cumbersome, and most travelers I met used 12go.asia.
2. Street food is your friend
One of my best meals cost less than $3. The Thali plate is your friend, and it often includes free refills. Only choose stalls and restaurants that are busy with locals and avoid anything that looked like it had been sitting out too long.
3. Negotiate tuk-tuk fares
Rickshaw drivers often quoted inflated prices, especially in touristy areas. A simple “No thanks” or walking away usually got the fare cut in half. When in doubt, ask your hostel staff what the normal rate should be. I used the Uber app frequently to give me a target for haggling.
4. Stay in guesthouses or hostels
Places like Zostel or family-run guesthouses offered clean, safe rooms and a chance to meet other travelers. I paid anywhere from $3 to $10 per night, depending on the city. Larger cities, like Delhi and Jaipur, are more expensive. In my favorite destination, Jaisalmer, a golden fortress city in the Thar desert of Western Rajasthan, I paid $3/night for my own room and had a view overlooking the city.
5. Bring a reusable water bottle with a filter
Refilling from tap water with a filter saved me money and reduced plastic waste. In places like Rishikesh, Delhi, and Jaipur, hostels had free filtered water.
🧳 Final Thoughts
Traveling through India was one of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences of my life—and it didn’t require a huge budget to make it happen. With just under $1,500, I spent four full weeks exploring vibrant cities, sacred sites, and desert landscapes, all while eating incredible food and connecting with locals along the way.
India can be chaotic, beautiful, overwhelming, and deeply inspiring. It’s a country that challenges you to slow down, be flexible, and let go of rigid plans. If you’re willing to travel light and live simply, the country opens itself up in the most generous ways.
I hope this breakdown helps you feel more prepared and confident about planning your own trip. If there’s one thing I learned, it’s that the richness of India comes not from how much you spend, but from how open you are to experiencing it fully.
Was this helpful? Check out some more articles below:
Check out more India Posts here:
My First Ride on an Uber Moto in India
How to Walk Through Pahar Ganj Without Losing Your Mind
Night Train to Rajasthan: Dramamine, Stepwells, and Desert Survival
Crossroads in Agra: Heat, Horizons, and the Art of Choosing
Notes from the Road – Delhi, India
Notes from the Road – Jaisalmer, India
Cheers, Friends!
Colin
